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Oil Rigs, Cuddle Clubs & More News

The top Seattle news stories you should be reading today

By Alene Bouranova May 13, 2015

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If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it: Pronto Cycle Share announced Monday that self-serve helmet bins will become a permanent part of its bike-sharing system. Previously, the helmet bins operated on the honor system; riders will now have to enter a code to receive a helmet. Annual Pronto users will be able to access helmets for free while 24-hour and three-day users will have to pay $2 per pass period. Pronto is the first bike-share company in North America to provide helmets at every station. For more information visit prontocycleshare.com

Seattle vs. “Seattle”: Amazon’s “Life in Seattle” recruiting video is viral thanks to local efforts. The Northwest-is-best video is the subject of two parodies: one by Sub Pop Records and the other by Seattle rapper Spekulation. The orginal paints Seattle as a quirky, easy-going utopia full of smiles and sun-drenched outdoorsiness. The parodies are a little grungier. “If you’re rich in Seattle, you’ll love it!” says a Spekulation voiceover. Sub Pop’s version is particularly Seattle-esque: “The stress levels here are suuuuuper chill,” says one woman, taking a drag on her vape pen. 

Harbor Wars: Royal Dutch Shell is parking two Arctic oil drilling rigs in the Seattle harbor, according to the Associated Press. The Noble Discoverer and Polar Pioneer will come to Terminal 5 despite protests from residents and concerns over appropriate use permits. The Port of Seattle leased Shell’s parent company, Foss Maritime, 50 acres of space in Terminal 5 in early January. However, city officials argue that the terminal’s permit only allows for cargo operations. Shell is parking the rigs regardless; both should arrive within the week. 

Good news for soccer and LEGO fans: Toy company OYO Sports is now selling Sounders FC mini-figures. For $12.99 you can purchase a collectible “Mystery Fan” figure, complete with a miniature Sounders scarf, water bottle, and team logo stand. Each MLS-licensed package contains one of three figures. Collect all three at Amazon, Lids, or OYO Sports (heads up- they’re cheapest if you buy directly from the manufacturer!).

No more free hugs: West Seattle now has its very own Cuddle Club, according to King 5. Professional cuddler Lashanna Williams opened The Cuddle Club on Fauntleroy Way to create a space for people to feel safe and nurtured. Women’s Health Mag says cuddling can lower stress, raise serotonin levels, and even strengthen your immune system. If you’re in need of a pick-me-up, you can come and cuddle with Williams starting at $45 per session. For more information or to book an appointment visit cuddleclubseattle.com.

 

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Studio Sessions: Jade Solomon Curtis  

Studio Sessions: Jade Solomon Curtis  

With an interest in how bodies retain memory, emotion, and experience, the award-winning choreographer and interdisciplinary artist Jade Solomon Curtis presents an immersive work at Seattle’s historic Union station. 

Discover choreographer Jade Solomon Curtis and her immersive dance installation, Keeper of Sadness, at Seattle’s historic Union Station this August.

Northwest Tune-Up Bike and Music Festival Brings Big Air and Loud Sets to Bellingham

Northwest Tune-Up Bike and Music Festival Brings Big Air and Loud Sets to Bellingham

The three-day festival celebrates its fifth year with bike competitions and a genre-spanning music lineup—plus one unforgettable band of mummies.

If I were to summarize the sensation of attending Northwest Tune-Up, Bellingham’s three-day bike and music festival, in one image, it would be watching Tomomi Nishikubo—a Japanese street trials biker—doing acrobatic acts of derring-do on his bike while Seattle rockers Thunderpussy shred in the distance. My second lasting impression of the festival would be rounding…

Ferry Tales: Eight Indie Bookstores Worth the Ride

Ferry Tales: Eight Indie Bookstores Worth the Ride

Plan a summer day around these bookshops in Seattle, Bremerton, Bainbridge Island, Kingston, and Poulsbo.

Independent bookstores tend to be cornerstones of the communities in which they reside, and Seattle is no exception. In addition to helping customers discover their next read, these neighborhood hubs host weekly gatherings and events, like publication release parties, author talks, and book clubs. Many of them have cafés and reading tables that encourage lingering…

Rearview Mirror: Seattle Art Fair is Back, Nordstrom Throws a Block Party, and a Must-Try Ice Cream Sundae

Rearview Mirror: Seattle Art Fair is Back, Nordstrom Throws a Block Party, and a Must-Try Ice Cream Sundae

Things I did, saw, ate, learned, or read in the past week (or so).

SEATTLE ART FAIR RETURNS  The buzziest event of the summer (well, aside from the World Cup), is returning next week. Now in its 10th edition, the Seattle Art Fair will once again take over the Lumen Field Event Center, packing it to the gills with art from 101 local, national, and international galleries. This year,…